With dangerous temperatures and wind chills blanketing Putnam County this week, school administrators have had the task of deciding when to bring students, faculty and staff into buildings.
According to superintendents from South Putnam, Cloverdale and North Putnam, a lot goes into the decision that can create ripple effects throughout the day.
"In general, the temps are warmer with a two hour delay, although that has not been true the last couple of days. It also provides an opportunity for less traffic since commuters are already at work," said Cloverdale Community Schools Superintendent Greg Linton.
South Putnam Superintendent Dr. Corey Smith told The Putnam County Post the two hour delays have helped his district's buses and transportation routes with extended time to get everything "warmed up and running for our drivers and students."
"Also, we get more direct instruction with the delays rather than switching to e-learning. E-learning is an excellent tool for us in certain situations, but students in classrooms with teachers is always our preference," Smith said.
North Putnam superintendent Dustin LeMay echoed those sentiments.
"Our focus is on student safety. The snow and cold has created very difficult to impossible roads to pass. Two hour delays give us time to make sure our schools are safe. We also benefit by giving the county and state a little extra time to clear roads. We have made a couple of calls and they have quickly responded to help clear a road. We start by clearing our parking lots and sidewalks. This also gives us time to assess road conditions," LeMay told The Putnam County Post.
LeMay also said assistant superintendent, Rodney Simpson, has driven all over the district to check roads as well.
"It is always easier to navigate a road when it is light and you can see the conditions," he said.
As for cold temperatures, LeMay said a two-hour delay allows his district an opportunity to make sure buses and buildings are warm.
"I am grateful for our drivers and maintenance teams that help us keep our schools open. They have done an amazing job during a difficult winter," LeMay said.
Both LeMay and Smith thanked students, parents, faculty and staff for their patience the last few days.
"I want to share how thankful I am for the support, patience and kindness of our parents. Two hour delays are always hard to navigate," LeMay said.
Smith agreed.
"I truly appreciate our staff, students and families for their flexibility and understanding as we navigate these crazy and ever changing winter conditions, not to mention the amazing efforts our transportation and maintenance departments have made to navigate everything," Smith said.
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